102 



DICTYOTEJE. 



length. On the air-vessels of this gigantic sea-weed, the 

 Sea Otter, according to the observations of an excellent 

 observer,* finds a favourite resting-place, when fishing ; 

 while the long tenacious stems furnish the rude fisher- 

 men of the coast with excellent fishing-lines. 



In tide-pools exposed to the sun, and also on the bot- 

 tom of the sea beyond the tidal influence, the family of 

 Dictyotece is found ; generally scattered, but sometimes 

 growing in society. These are the most beautiful 

 members of the group of Melanosperms, and some of 

 them, especially Pa- 

 dina Pavonia, or the 

 Peacock's-tail, highly 

 curious productions. 

 This charming plant 

 is only known with us 

 on the south coast of 

 England, where it oc- 

 curs in many places ; 

 but it is one of the com- 

 monest shore-plants of 

 the tropical sea, and 

 also fringes the mar- 

 gin of the Mediterranean. It is an annual, appearing 

 with the early summer, and fading before the autumn 

 sets in. When growing, its fan-shaped fronds are 

 rolled up into cups, while the delicate fibres with which 

 they are bordered, and which form concentric bands over 

 their surface, decompose the rays of light, and reflect 

 the most beautiful glaucous and prismatic tints. The 



* Dr. Henry Merteiis, in Hook. Bot. Misc. vol. iii. p. 4, 5. 



